The old saying “It’s an ill wind that blows no one any good” seems appropriate to TWU members who are benefiting from government stimulus spending to offset the recession. So far, this has been particularly true for Amtrak members, reports Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka. (In future issues, the Express will take a further look at how stimulus money is benefitting TWU members in all divisions.) 


Less than six months after President Obama signed H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on February 17, 2009, which included funding for Amtrak capital projects, the benefits of this legislation are beginning to show up on the shop floor. This has been the case at Amtrak’s Bear, Delaware and Beech Grove, Indiana maintenance facilities. The skills and dedication of TWU Carmen were on display in two separate events celebrating the completion of overhauls on equipment being refurbished with Recovery act (ARRA) funding. 


On July 13, during an event at the Bear facility attended by local and federal politicians, Amtrak rolled out Amfleet II coach 25103 for revenue service. Coach 25103, which had been damaged in a yard accident a few years ago, was completely restored with the help of Recovery Act funding.


Just weeks later, on August 6, during an event at Amtrak’s Beech Grove maintenance facility Amtrak rolled out Superliner Sightseer Lounge 33016 for revenue service. The Lounge Car, completely restored with Recovery Act funding, is being returned to service on Amtrak’s Midwest and Western routes.


The economic benefits of Amtrak stimulus projects at Bear and Beech Grove go well beyond the return to service of idled equipment and meeting customer demand and needs. At Bear, Amtrak hired 52 employees in the mechanical department to work on these projects. Of the 52, 25 were hired as Carmen and have become members of Railroad Division Local 2015. At Beech Grove, Amtrak hired an additional 108 employees in the mechanical department to work on these projects. Of the 108, 50 were hired as Carmen and have become members of Railroad Division Local 2003. In addition to the jobs at Amtrak it was pointed out that numerous other companies that supply various components for these projects have realized a shot in the arm for their business.